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Former head of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT Dr. David Brailer said he's impressed with the recently released meaningful use requirements. "ONC has matured wonderfully in terms of appropriate policy going forward, using various tools as drivers for health care IT adoption, targeting HIEs with grants and testing ideas," Brailer said.

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The ONC's popHealth for Hospitals version 1.0 tool, which is capable of importing data and exporting electronic clinical quality measures, has been certified by the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology as meeting the standards for stage 2 meaningful use. "ONC is working to ensure that popHealth flourishes as a useful tool for providers, health information exchanges, states, and others," said John Rancourt, public health analyst for the ONC's Office of Health Information Exchange.

National Health IT Coordinator Dr. David Blumenthal said in this Q-and-A that with HIT policies in place, his office now turns its attention to helping hospitals and doctors qualify for meaningful use incentives. The ONC is taking steps to improve its oversight functions and working toward staffing its regional extension centers to assist providers with EHR adoption, he said. "We really are in the business of winning the hearts and minds of the nation's doctors and hospitals," Blumenthal said.

The FDA is proposing a new rule that would require the submission of clinical trial informed consent forms to www.ClinicalTrials.gov, a trial registry database that can be accessed by the public. The forms would include information about trial registration, results and other data. Knowing about the public trial registry and that trial data would be included in the database could affect an individual's decision to be part of a trial, the agency said. The FDA will be accepting public comments until March 1.

Cerner has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for its CareAware iBus connectivity software, which is designed to link medical devices to electronic medical records systems. The application can enable IT departments to track the performance and connectivity of medical devices, among other uses.

Laura J. Sen, president and CEO of BJ's Wholesale Club, said shoppers will not abandon the chain as the economy improves, saying, "once you're paying $2.29 for chicken, you're not going to go back to paying $2.99." The chain sets itself apart with smaller stores and by accepting coupons and all major credit cards, she said.